2026 Ford Transit Custom Trail LWB review

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Ford has launched its first-ever all-wheel drive Transit Custom in Australia, with the new Trail variant of the popular van offering not just better traction for unsealed roads, but a bit of a different look that might appeal beyond the tradie set.

With loads of standard spec and some great driving dynamics, I can see lots more campervan configurations for this edition on Transit Custom. For a top combo is its frugal but punchy diesel engine and smooth automatic transmission, too.

Does it miss the mark in any way? Read on and find out.

How much does the Ford Transit Custom cost?

In Australia, there is only one version of the Ford Transit Custom Trail on offer and it’s based on the LWB low-roof model of this mid-size van.

| Model | Price before on-road costs |
| — | — |
| 2026 Ford Transit Custom Trend SWB turbo-diesel | $56,890 |
| 2026 Ford Transit Custom Trend LWB turbo-diesel | $57,890 |
| 2026 Ford Transit Custom Sport SWB turbo-diesel | $60,290 |
| 2026 Ford Transit Custom Trail LWB turbo-diesel | $62,290 |
| 2026 Ford Transit Custom Sport LWB Double Cab turbo-diesel | $63,290 |
| 2026 Ford Transit Custom Trend LWB PHEV | $67,890 |
| 2026 Ford Transit Custom Sport SWB PHEV | $70,290 |
| 2026 Ford E-Transit Custom Trend LWB EV | $77,590 |
| 2026 Ford E-Transit Custom Sport SWB EV | $79,990 |

The price is up by $300 since the car was originally announced for our market last year but, even so, at just over $62k it’s a strong case as the cheapest diesel all-wheel drive van in its segment.
There’s only the related new-generation Volkswagen Transporter 4Motion, which is a reworked version of this van, but it costs $64,590 plus on-roads due to a different spec level, and it’s not a ‘Trail’ model like this, so there are no over-fenders and no sticker pack…!

The other vans in this segment are all exclusively front-wheel drive (Hyundai Staria Load, Renault Trafic, Peugeot Expert, LDV Deliver 7), or rear-wheel drive (Toyota HiAce, Mercedes Vito).

To see how the Ford Transit Custom lines up against the competition, check out our
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What is the Ford Transit Custom like on the inside?

The Transit Custom Trail does have a slightly different interior to the other variants when it comes to the trimming.

The highlight is the gold stitching and fake leather seat trim, which makes it unique; at the top of those seats there are ‘TRAIL’ logos embroidered into the material.

Both seats are manually adjustable – with adjustable inner armrests – and both have heating as well.

This is a variant of the Transit Custom with its two-seat layout, which costs an additional $150. The three-seat layout is provided as standard for s – the driver’s seat sits independently of his two-seated bench, which has been fixed.

It certainly feels a little more luxury with the two-seat layout, and for anyone riding along it will be comfort.

Similarly, interior changes are not very much in the case of . There is nothing wrong with that – because the Transit Custom is one of the nicer van interiors in this class.

Among the digital instrument cluster in front of the driver is a large font-based, decent configurability to it and also an impressive number of other features. Then you can see your trip computer, navigation or vitals for the car on screen, and what’s usually going to be your distance (to empty, speedo, etc.) – so on.”

A large central touchscreen media system is the control hub for pretty much everything on board, and it’s a big central screen that has been used as the other screen.

It has the wireless Apple CarPlay (as well as Android Auto) connectivity and also features built-in sat-nav, as well. Besides that there are several menus and controls on offer, you get digital radio as well.

It’s a bit of learning on that screen, but it’s pretty easy and very easy to get along with the fact that once you’ve spent some time learning how to go around the menus.

But at the bottom of that display (but still on-screen) is a row of most climate controls, possibly as bad as many people are… I just think it would be better to welcome if there were dials for your temperature and fan controls.

That climate panel incorporates seat heating controls, single-zone climate management, air direction, fan speed, and your demisters.

Then it has a little panel of other devices, such as drive mode selection, safety systems and auto parking technology; there is also – for those cooler mornings an “max front demister” button that sits below.

Along with that you do have a volume dial – hallelujah! – and on the steering wheel there are several other controls for your media and cruise systems as well as many others.

Speaking of, there is a column-mounted gear selector – and it includes a manual shift twist system as well.

Unless you’re having an indicator switch on the right side of steering wheel and you turn left to indicate that your car will jump into neutral, just be careful. ok, no great !

Further down there’s a light control panel near the driver’d right knee, and thankfully you’ve got traditional door controls for your mirrors and windows.

There’s an electric park brake in the dash, and further below you’ll see a 12V port, USB-A and USB–C ports (and subsequently he has pictured) and ‘a wireless phone charging pad with that flip-out cupholder with small storage tray behind it.

The dashboard has more cupholders at the top edges of the dashboard, and there is a folder holder on top of dash which could be useful for storage of loose items.

In the two-seat model there is an open space between the seats of the seat – which would be good to accessorise with some sort of storage box, because as it stands on its own and thus consumes space.

It is all hard plastic, and looks good because of the two-tone finish in the doors with several tiers of storage including bottle holders down the bottom. In front of the passenger there is a lockable glovebox and an additional top storage box as well.

You don’t get vanity mirrors, oddly and the sun-visors aren’T extendable either because overhead you do not. But if you look out the rear-view mirror isn’t great, it’s also not auto–dimming too – I think a digital camera mirror would be.

Aside mirrors have a split design to allow you the ability of seeing across, and also ‘closer view about what is around you’.

Both front window-seat occupants get overhead grab handles, but sadly there aren’t height-adjustable seatbelts in this van.

For the cargo zone, you’re acquiring the long-wheelbase body for the Trail model so it has lots of space on offer. See the dimensions table below for all of the measurements ».

| Load area dimensions | Ford Transit Custom |
| — | — |
| Length | 3002mm |
| Width | 1784mm |
| Height | 1425mm |
| Between wheel arches | 1392mm |
| Side door opening | 1030mm wide, 1301mm tall |
| Rear door opening | 1400mm wide, 1316mm tall |

That area is very good, as well as its usability and pallet-friendly location; there are several lashing points at floor height and on the walls to secure items in back. It’s also a very slippery standard plastic floor, so beware when your soles are wet.’ You will have to, too, because you know what the normal plastic is like for that one of these things!

A good LED overhead light is also available if you’re loading in the wee hours, and at the back doors there is a button for more lighting – like Ranger has with its Zone Lighting – which will allow you to see better when you are getting into the rear of the car. If you’re going to turn this into a camper, could it be very useful?

A tailgate is a good option for getting the Transit Custom Trail, if you like it to the barn doors but an overall system that has been well designed forklift-friendly standard (180-opening for both sides).

It’s also a great thing to love that you have standard dual side sliding doors on this car, I like the fact that it is one of the most popular double sidelid doors in my car. It is just that bit more practical than because it makes it so much more useful.

| Dimensions | Ford Transit Custom |
| — | — |
| Length | 5450mm |
| Width | 2032mm |
| Height | 1968mm |
| Wheelbase | 3500mm |
| Cargo capacity | 6000L |

To see how the Ford Transit Custom lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Ford Transit Custom Trail uses the same turbo-diesel engine and eight-speed auto as used in other variants of the TransitCustom range, but has electronically controlled all-wheel drive to apportion torque to front and rear axles when required.

| Specifications | Ford Transit Custom turbo-diesel |
| — | — |
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-diesel |
| Power | 125kW |
| Torque | 390Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1992kg |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 8.5L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 8.4L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70L |
| Fuel requirement | Diesel |
| CO2 emissions | 223g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 |
| Payload | 1164kg |
| Braked tow capacity | 2500kg |
| Gross vehicle mass (GVM) | 3225kg |
| Gross combination mass (GCM) | 5725kg |

Why is that real-world fuel use? I’m sorry, this test was largely unladen but more than a week of mixed driving I am glad to see the return shown on the trip computer undercut the official number (if only by smidge).

To see how the Ford Transit Custom lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

How does the Ford Transit Custom drive?

One of the best mid-size vans in its class to drive was Ford’s Mid-sized Van, and the Trail gives you that extra peace if you might be looking for.

A strong argument is the Trail if you think that you may need more traction on unsealed surfaces or even just during downpours.

All-wheel drive means you’ve got more sure-footedness than other front-drive examples of this van don’t have, and in my experience driving on wet days that traction is certainly welcome.

But if you are the kind of person who always takes expensive or broken items, it could be even better for that guy to buy something on the surface – again when it’s damp.

While it may be a semi off-road style car, it is not going to travel the trails like if you’re thinking of it that way or maybe reset your expectations.

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Similarly, it is good ground clearance (160mm) and has a pretty sophisticated suspension setup with coil springs at the rear but just doesn’t mean four-wheel drive car.

This is a simple-going general driving dynamic, with an unattractive and convincingly comfortable ride on the road, as well as ‘the pleasure of drive experience you might not be expecting to see.

That comes down to the direct and fun-feeling steering, which is extremely agreeable in all situations.

It is also -open road touring where the weighting is a little more heavy and the response was more direct, or low-speed driving (including parking) when the steering weight is lighter and easier to control.

And it certainly doesn’t feel as big as you drive, and the turning circle (12) is no longer a large thing to say. That’s also not bad, as is the length of this car’ s wheelbase and that it was in fact 1 metres (the total length)

Furthermore, this turbo-diesel engine is up for it, with a good amount of urge when required.

The fastest feeling van isn’t it but does zip along well at urban speed, and holds its pace when you’re on the freeway. This is a all-wheel drive system that makes it feel like the van is being pulled and driven towards the horizon, not just pulled as in every other front-drive variant.

This transmission is largely agreeable, with the eight-speed automatic shifts of gears smooth and cleverly to keep up for progress and keeping engine in the sweet spot for the torque band; it doesn’t feel too busy like some other eight speed autos can.

A bit of noise to contend with, both diesel engine clatter and wind noise around the mirrors and windsscreen, but what is most noticeable is actually the tyre noise – especially on coarse-chip road surfaces.

Then you’ve got those impressive split mirrors at the sides of Visibility-wise, and when you do have the glazed bulkhead with a small port window to see out the back, it is quite limited.

The worst thing is that there’s no surround-view camera system in a van like this, and for the most part it would be very beneficial.

A reversing camera is used instead of the other, parking sensors are around you and an auto parking system – it will brake for your car if it thinks you’re going to hit something or someone at low speeds while reversed. It’s great (although I believe a 360-degree camera would make sense in daily life).

There is a safety-technical system that does’very good job without being too intrusive’ as for the safety technology beyond that, and if you don’t like it just presses the lane-keep button on the steering wheel twice and disables – you have to do that every time you drive the car.

This is great speed system with no chiming for it, especially considering that the speed does get wrong very regularly on the smart motorways in Sydney (digital signage) and read 70 frequently instead of the 110km/h over those overhead attempts.

You can use the smart cruise assist to get the car adapt to the speed signs if you wish, but as I just mentioned that it may be a mistake because you are going down to 70 in ‘110 zone’. It’s not good enough for your own sake.

This is a great van, very easy to drive and live with.

To see how the Ford Transit Custom lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

What do you get?

Here’s a rundown of the standard equipment fitted to all versions of the Transit Custom, including the Trail.

2026 Ford Transit Custom Trend equipment highlights:

• 16-inch steel wheels
• 215/65 R16C tyres
• Steel spare wheel
• Normal, Eco, Slippery and Tow/Haul drive modes
• Automatic halogen headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Quickclear heated windscreen
• Single sliding left-hand door
• Metal bulkhead with window, load-through hatch
• Rear barn doors
• Roof racks
• Three seats
• Cloth upholstery
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• Single driver’s armrest
• Heated outboard front seats
• Under-seat stowage compartment
• 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite navigation with one year of Connected Navigation Services
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• FM radio
• 4-speaker sound system
• 12-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wireless phone charger
• 1 x USB-A outlet
• 1 x USB-C outlet
• 1 x 12V outlet
• Single-zone climate control
• Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
• Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
• Push-button start
• 3 x cupholders

The Sport adds:

• 17-inch matte black alloy wheels
• 215/60 R17C tyres
• Sport drive mode
• LED headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• LED tail-lights
• Heated exterior mirrors with auto-fold
• Sport body kit
• Rear spoiler
• Exterior striping
• ‘Sports’ interior trim with blue accent stripes
• 10-way power driver’s seat
• Dual driver’s arm rest
• 4 x USB-C outlets
• Dual-one climate control
• Locking lower glovebox
• Upper glovebox with removable rubber insert and USB-C outlet
• Proximity entry

The Trail adds:

• Yellow Trail decals
• Faux leather interior with yellow baseball stitching
• ‘Trail’ embossing on seats
• Unique grille
• Underbody skid plates
• Wheel-arches
• Side trims
• 16-inch matte black alloy wheels
• All-terrain tyres

Other options include:

• Metallic paint $700
• SVO paint $1400
• A two-seat configuration: $150; deletes the load-through hatch
• Rear liftgate: $700; replaces the barn doors
• Secure Visibility Pack $1500; Steel rear door doors with no windows, metal bulkhead with No window; digital rear-view mirror with integrated dash cam.

What’s missing? Keyless entry or proximity unlocking; you still need to use the key fob to unlock the doors. Weird.

To see how the Ford Transit Custom lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

Is the Ford Transit Custom safe?

The Ford Transit Custom recorded the highest rating for safety assistance technology under ANCAP’s 2024 Commercial Van Testing, scoring 96 per cent to be considered a Platinum example of the breed.

Safety testing for commercial vehicles like this is different from the assessment of traditional cars, because there’s no physical crash test – just an array of tech tests to see how its active safety systems work in various contexts.

The ANCAP reported ‘The Ford Transit Custom’s second-generation model sets the standard for fitment and performance, scoring near-perfect marks in safety tests. The transit custom provides high-end collision avoidance capability with a full suite of advanced active safety features, and is the best choice for providing world class collision preventance. ” , ‘I’m sure it is worth reading.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Autonomous emergency braking

• Car
• Pedestrian
• Cyclist
• Rear
• Intersection assist

• Adaptive cruise control

• With speed adaptive cruise control possible

• Blind-spot assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Evasive steering assist
• Lane keep assist
• Safe exit warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Reversing camera with 180-degree view
• Front, rear parking sensors
• Autonomous parking assist

The Transit Custom has six airbags, including dual front, front-side and curtain airbags, including ceiling-mounted airbag coverage for the passenger.

To see how the Ford Transit Custom lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

How much does the Ford Transit Custom cost to run?

Ford Australia offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty across its model range, including the Transit Custom van range.

| Servicing and Warranty | Ford Transit Custom |
| — | — |
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 12 months, then service-initiated up to 7 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 30,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 4 years |
| Average annual service cost | $499 |
| Total capped-price service cost | $1996 |

Long service intervals are a good thing about this van, which could be attractive for long distance drivers couriers and tradies, commuters – in particular. Unless you’re doing very little to say goodbye.

To see how the Ford Transit Custom lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Ford Transit Custom Trail LWB

It was already one of the best models in the mid-size light commercial van space for the Ford Transit Custom, and a welcome addition to the Trail LWB variant is an introduction to this newer model.

This is a nice distinction in terms of price and spec, while the added capability and security of the all-wheel drive system means this could appeal to ‘large audiences’ — both at large cities and regional and rural areas.

The appeal is also real for campervan converters, which will get a superb base to work from.

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